First Time's the Charm: How to Choose Interior Paint Color

Choosing the perfect paint color for your home can make a huge difference. After all, the color of your walls provides a backdrop for all your interior. If you just bought a new home, painting is a great way to put your personal stamp on the home and begin the next phase of your life. Conversely, if you're putting your property on the market but it's looking a little too "well-loved," a crisp coat of paint can help create a better first impression and potentially increase your home's value.

But with the vast array of color choices available today, choosing the right color can be a painstaking process, especially if you get things wrong and have to start all over again. So skip the do-overs and find the perfect paint color by doing your homework and evaluating your options before you don your overalls or lay down the drop cloth. No matter what aesthetic or shade you're looking for, these foolproof tips by our REALTORS® will help you select the perfect paint color every single time.

• Define the Mood of the Room
  Pinpointing the ambiance you'd like to achieve can help you quickly narrow your color choices and pick a hue that will seamlessly anchor the room. For instance, if you're going for a feeling of tranquility and restfulness in your movie lounge or bedroom, consider soft blues, grays, pinks, and lavenders. If you'd like your kitchen to feel bright and vibrant, look into reds and yellows.
  
  
• Find Paint Color Inspiration
  When you have a room that needs a fresh coat of paint, you might be able to find exactly what you want in home decorating catalogs and magazines. They allow you to look at different styles so you can visualize the perfect space. Social media sites such as Instagram and Pinterest provide color ideas that are refreshed in real-time. Create an inspiration board, keep your ideas in one spot, and narrow down your paint color choices.
  
  
• Take Your Color Cue From Your Furniture and Fabrics
  Paint color should be the last step in your design process. You don't want to be stuck with unpleasant colors for your sofa or wall artwork just because you wanted to make a bold statement. Before you head to the hardware store, take into consideration your furniture, fabrics, major décor accessories, and permanent features like the flooring or fireplace.
  
  
• Pay Attention to Lighting
  Light reflects and deflects color, changing how it looks throughout the day. Natural daylight shows the truest color, so your paint color should turn true to the swatch if the room has a big bright window. Fluorescent lights can cast a sharp blue tone, while incandescent light tends to bring out warm tones and yellows. Always bring the color swatches home and see how they'll react with different types of light.
  
  
• Work With Neighboring Spaces
  The colors in your home should have a cohesive and complementary palette, especially for rooms on the same floor. Flowing paint color through your home can give the illusion of a larger space and create a relaxing vibe. Before you decide on a particular shade, consider the effect it will have when transitioning between rooms.
  
  
• Test Before Committing
  When you're committing gallons of paint and a weekend to your project, you have to make sure you get the color right the first time. Doing a color test is a simple step that you don't want to miss. Get a sample pot of paint and apply it on a small corner or near all sources of light in a room. If you love the look, proceed. If you don't, go back to the drawing board.

Our team at Haring Realty can help with selling your home or looking for Mansfield and Ashland homes for sale that meet your needs, preferences, and budget. Contact us today.